wk4: AED - Conjunctival Degeneration Flashcards
What does the SOAP mnemonic stand for?
S - Subjective (symptoms)
O - Objective (signs)
A - Assessment (DDx/DEx + tests for Dx)
P - Plan (Mx)
What 3 parts of the conjunctiva are responsible for secreting mucin?
Goblet Cells
Crypts of Henle
Glands of Manz
What are crypts of henle?
microscopic pockets (that secrete mucin) found in scattered sections of the conjunctiva
What are glands of manz?
an anatomical structure (that secretes mucin) in the conjunctiva arranged in a ring around the cornea, near the scleral junction
What are goblet cells?
a column-shaped cell that secretes mucin
What is mucin? What does it do for the eye?
a proteinous substances that makes up the inner layer of tears. It coats the cornea to provide a hydrophilic layer that allows for even distribution of the tear film
What happens to the tear film if mucin producing components malfunction?
unstable tear film
How thick is the conjunctival epithelium?
2-10 cell layers thick
What do the glands of kraus and glands of wolfring do?
They are accessory lacrimal glands. The function of both is to produce tears which are secreted onto the surface of the conjunctiva. They are known as basal lacrimal secretors (i.e. basal tears)
Where in the conjunctiva are the accessory lacrimal glands found?
stroma
Describe the structure of the conjunctival stroma
vascular connective tissue
How many glands of krause are located in the superior and inferior conjunctival fornix (own study)?
Superior: 20
Inferior: about 10
What happens to the tear film if superior and inferior fornix is inflamed?
Unstable tear film - because glands of krause are affected since some of them are located there
Define Pingueculum
a benign, non-cancerous, yellowish deposit on the conjunctiva
Name 3 signs that a patient has pingueculum
- triangular (base toward limbus) yellowish, slightly elevated mass on nasal or temporal sclera - sometimes like discrete gelatinous deposits
- very common + generally bilateral (3 o’clock and 9 o’clock)
- not vascular, but can be hyperaemic if inflamed
What is hyperaemia?
excess of blood in a body part (as from an increased flow of blood due to vasodilation)
Describe the symptoms of pingueculum (4)
usually asymptomatic - but can cause dry eye
cosmetically unappealing
foreign body sensation if inflamed
no affect on vision
Is pingueculum a growth?
It’s not a growth, per-say, it’s a deposit
In what orientation does the triangular appearance of a pingueculum present on the conjunctiva?
The base of the triangle is at the limbus
How can we assess pingueculum? (4)
Slit Lamp
Fluoroscein stain (?dellen)
Tear workup (if symptoms)
Document
How can pingueculum cause dry eye?
As the mass is raised above the tear film, the tissue next to it dries, which can result in a dellen (sterile ulcer as the tissue dissolves away)
What is the main cause of pingueculum?
Genetic
note: age is not significant
Describe the histopathology of pingueculum (4)
Elastotic (elastin tissue breakdown) degeneration of the collagen
Hyalinization of the conjunctival stroma
Collection of elastotic fibres
Granular deposits
What conditions should pingueculum be differentially diagnosed from? [4]
pterygium
conj. intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
other tumours (e.g. papilloma)
limbal dermoid
How might we treat pingueculum? [5]
Leave it - in vast majority of patients
Vasoconstrictors - to reduce redness; useless in chronic (repeat after me: useless)
Ocular lubricants, cold compresses: if FB sensation
NSAIDs or topical steroids - if severe inflammation
Cosmetic surgery = last resort
If you choose not to treat a patient with pingueculum, what advice can you give a patient to help manage it?
Glasses/sunglasses when outside to protect against wind. Wind dries out eyes and will dry out the raised mass/surroundings even more. Wraparound glasses are particularly good protection here
Is UV exposure a risk for pingueculum?
NO it is not!
When do we schedule a follow up for a patient with pingueculum?
At a normal review time, unless patient requests earlier if diagnosis uncertain
What side effect might the use of NSAIDs in treating chronic pingueculum lead to?
stomach ulcers
How can you differentially diagnose the following conditions from pingueculum?
Dermoid, Papilloma, CIN
Dermoid: internal blood vessel structure, variation of own tissue
Papilloma: more spongey, blood vessel structure within them
CIN: sits on top of everything and continues to grow
Why might we not be inclined to remove pingueculum?
Surgical removal is very painful! Conjunctival healing is uncomfortable and hard to anaesthesize!
Describe the process of surgical removal of pingueculum [4]
- excision including overlying conjunctiva
- wound closure with suture
- amniotic membrane for larger wound
- prophylactic topical antibiotic + anti steroid (pred forte)
How does an argon laser work for pingueculum removal?
photocoagulation of pingueculum, followed by prophylactic topical antibiotic + anti steroid (pred forte)
What is Pterygium? [4]
a pinkish, triangular tissue growth on the cornea of the eye., similar to pingueculum